LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Identify protective equipment items that are used during patient rescues, and recall how and when each protective equipment item should be used.

It is a basic principle of first aid that an injured person must be given essential treatment before being moved. However, it is impossible to treat an injured person who is in a position of immediate danger. If the victim is drowning, or if his life is endangered by fire, steam, electricity, poisonous or explosive gases, or other hazards, rescue must take place before first aid treatment can be given.

The life of an injured person may well depend upon the manner in which rescue and transportation to a medical treatment facility are accomplished. Rescue operations must be accomplished quickly, but unnecessary haste is both futile and dangerous. After rescue and essential first aid treatment have been given, further transportation must be accomplished in a manner that will not aggravate the injuries. As a Corpsman, it may be your responsibility to direct-and be the primary rescuer in-these operations. The life and safety of the victim and the members of the rescue team may rest on your decisions.

In this section, we will consider the use of common types of protective equipment; rescue procedures; special rescue situations; ways of moving

Figure 3-21.-Cravat bandage for the elbow or knee.

Figure 3-22.-Cravat bandage for the arm, forearm, leg, or thigh.

Figure 3-23.-Cravat bandage for the axilla.

the patient to safety; and procedures for transporting the injured after first aid has been given.

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
The use of appropriate items of protective equipment will increase your ability to effect rescue from life-threatening situations. Protective equipment that is generally available on naval vessels and some shore activities include the oxygen breathing apparatus (OBA); hose (air line) masks; protective (gas) masks; steel-wire lifelines; and devices for detecting oxygen insufficiency, explosive vapors, and some poisonous gases.

Oxygen Breathing Apparatus
An oxygen breathing apparatus (OBA) is provided for emergency use in compartments containing toxic gases. The apparatus is particularly valuable for rescue purposes because it is a self-contained unit. The wearer is not dependent upon outside air or any type of air line within the effective life of the canister.

There are several types of OBAs, but they are all similar in operation. Independence of the outside atmosphere is achieved by having air within the apparatus circulated through a canister. Within the canister, oxygen is continuously generated. The effective life of the canister varies from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the particular apparatus and the type of work being done. One of the newer types of OBA is designed so that you can change canisters without leaving the toxic atmosphere.

If you are to enter an extremely hazardous area, you should also wear a lifeline. The lifeline should be tended by two persons, one of whom is also wearing a breathing apparatus.

Never allow oil or grease to come in contact with any part of an OBA. Oxygen is violently explosive in the presence of oil or grease. If any part of the apparatus becomes contaminated with oil or grease smudges, clean it before it is stowed. Care should be taken to prevent oil or oily water from entering the canister between the time it is opened and the time of disposal.